Epilepsies in children and young people: Investigative procedures and management

Keeping up to date

This guideline was published in 2021 and updated in 2026. The update focused on section 5: Pharmacological management.

The guideline will be considered for review in three years. The review history and any updates to the guideline in the interim period are noted in the update report.

Summary

This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on the investigation and management of epilepsies in children and young people aged from one month to 19 years (remaining in secondary education), including: 

• the role of imaging, neurophysiology and genetic testing in diagnosis 
• antiepileptic drugs, ketogenic diet, surgery and vagus nerve/deep brain stimulation for the management of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and status epilepticus 
• identification and treatment of psychiatric comorbidities 
• transition from child to adult care 
• discussions about, and prevention of, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. 

Who it's for

• All health and social care professionals involved in the management of children with epilepsy, in primary and secondary care settings 
• people involved in commissioning epilepsy services 
• public health physicians. 

Young People's Experiences

Hear from our Young Person Representatives about their experiences of epilepsy services, and about how this guideline can help make improvements:

 Current 3-7 years

Some recommendations may be out of date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.